What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a simple procedure that involves taking a sample of a spot on your skin. This sample is sent away to a pathology lab to see if it is harmless or something more serious, like skin cancer.

Skin cancer management can vary from topical treatments like freezing and creams to being cut out. A biopsy allows your doctor to accurately select the correct treatment modality of safety margin required to treat the skin cancer. 

What happens during a biopsy

Though there are different types of biopsies (punch, shave and excisional), they all involve removing a small sample of the skin or tissue and sending it for microscopic examination.

You can expect: 

• the area to be cleaned and numbed with a small injection (local anaesthetic).
• your doctor removing a small sample of skin, either by shaving off the top or taking a small core.
• the sample to be sent to a lab to be checked.

Most biopsies are done in under 10 minutes and heal quickly.

What if it needs to be removed?

If the biopsy shows something concerning, your doctor may recommend an excision, which means removing the entire spot and a small area of skin around it.

What to expect with an excision:

• You will be injected with a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
• The spot is removed in an oval shape.
• The skin is stitched closed and covered with a dressing.
• The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes.

Aftercare and healing

Most people heal well with minimal discomfort. Your doctor will give you detailed care instructions after the procedure.

Generally, avoid sun exposure on the healing skin, and do not pick at the area to help reduce scarring. Though scarring is a natural part of the healing process, your doctor will do everything they can do minimise scarring post-procedure.

We are here to help

Most skin cancers, when caught early, are easily treated. If you are unsure about a spot – or it has been a while since your last skin check – book in today with Dr Sarah Hunt, an experienced female skin GP, to give you peace of mind.